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HomeBriefingBack BriefingsThrowing baby out with bath water?

April 6, 2011

Throwing baby out with bath water?

If the Scottish Government’s had to demonstrate its commitment to invest in community led action, it could do a lot worse than point to the Climate Challenge Fund – £27.4m (2008- 2011) with a further £10.3m committed in 2011/12.  The winners (and losers) were announced recently.  With a clear emphasis on funding new projects, many of those previously funded have been disappointed.  While it’s good to spread the fund widely, there’s no doubt that some momentum built up elsewhere has been lost

Today, 130 projects have been announced as the latest community initiatives to receive awards totalling over £8 million from the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF).

Since 2008, 345 communities the length and breadth of Scotland have received a share of the £37.7 million made available under the popular CCF initiative to help reduce their carbon footprint.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Roseanna Cunningham today announced the 130 successful projects. Successful applications include:

  • The Tarland Development Group will complete the Tarland to Aboyne Cycle Path in Aberdeenshire. Completion of the cycle path will enable Tarland residents to safely cycle the six miles to Aboyne to use the many facilities in the town reducing car use and consequently reducing the local ‘Carbon Footprint’. This project is awarded £84,860
  • The Balanced Bountiful Buckhaven programme creates a platform for transforming this community into a more self-reliant transition town. The programme seeks progressive reductions in carbon emissions through mobilising local volunteers and groups to promote energy efficiency, grow local food and enhance waste collection and recycling. This project is awarded £74,940
  • The new Housing Association working in Bridgeton in the east end of Glasgow is leading the way in demonstrating how putting people at the heart of local decision-making can reduce carbon emissions. Bridgeton Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) will enhance the energy efficiency of local housing by helping residents to better manage their energy use and reduce their fuel bills. This project is awarded £95,420

Ms Cunningham said: “The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) continues to inspire communities all over Scotland and underlines the nation-wide commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and meet our carbon reduction targets. Since CCF launched, it has attracted huge interest and I am delighted that our decision to extend the initiative into 2011-12 has encouraged so many high quality applications. CCF really does help communities to act on their desire to do more to enhance the environment and develop our low carbon economy. CCF has empowered 345 communities since 2008 to tackle their carbon emissions at local level. I have found it truly inspiring during my visits to several CCF funded projects to see community spirit in action, tackling climate change from the grass-roots up.”

Simon Pepper, OBE – CCF Grants Panel Chair said: “These exciting projects illustrate the high level of commitment to tackling climate change in communities throughout Scotland. They show just how strongly people feel and how keen they are to make a difference in their own locality. Their example is simply inspirational.”

Full list of projects to receive funding under round eight of the Climate Challenge FundGreen projects get £600,000 boost:

Full list of Climate Challenge Fund projects receiving funding:

  • Carluke Development Trust, South Lanarkshire – £22,980
  • Bute Community Land Company, Argyll & Bute – £41,000
  • Edinburgh Community Energy Co-operative, City of Edinburgh – £50,145
  • Lochgoilhead Community Development Trust, Argyll & Bute – £32,701
  • Golspie Community Power, Highlands – £43,600
  • Applecross Community Company, Highlands – £57,600
  • Isle of Kerrera Development Trust, Argyll & Bute – £41,000
  • Paisley West & Central Community, Renfrewshire – £21,087
  • Kilmadock Development Trust, Stirling – £23,100
  • TraM (Transition Mearns), Aberdeenshire – £26,536
  • Bannockburn Community Trust Ltd, Stirling – £20,000
  • Stewarton Community Allotments Society, East Ayrshire – £14,750
  • Midlothian Voluntary Action, Midlothian – £13,013
  • Forfar Dramatic Society, Angus – £18,582
  • Birse Community Trust, Aberdeenshire – £11,650
  • Healthy Roots Ltd (Aberdeen), Aberdeenshire – £20,000
  • Mallaig and Morar community centre association, Highlands – £14,659
  • Kilmaurs Community Council, East Ayrshire – £25,000
  • Strachur Memorial Hall Committee, Argyll & Bute – £7,500
  • North Uist Development Company, Western Isles – £10,000
  • PUT Community Co-operative, Aberdeenshire – £4,580
  • Kibble Education and Care Centre, Renfrewshire – £30,538
  • Carn Dearg Mountaineering Club, Angus – £12,886
  • Edzell Village Improvement Society, Angus – £1,900
  • Killearn Community Futures Company, Stirling – £5,000